Why we celebrate
Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, a festival of new beginnings marked by a festive meal, the kolam rangoli and prayers.
Tamil solar tradition
Festival Profile
Puthandu
Tamil New Year, celebrated with a festive meal and the kolam rangoli.
Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, a festival of new beginnings marked by a festive meal, the kolam rangoli and prayers.
When
Puthandu falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid-April).
Since when it is followed
Puthandu has been the Tamil new year for centuries, tied to the solar calendar.
Tamil regional tradition
Who celebrates / for whom
Celebrated by Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and worldwide.
Origin
The origin is the Tamil solar new year, when the Sun enters Aries.
Tamil solar calendar tradition
Key deities
Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan and the Navagrahas are worshipped.
How to celebrate
Decorate the home with kolam, perform the puja, and share a festive meal of mango pachadi (sweet, sour and bitter).
Rituals & offerings
Kolam, puja, mango pachadi, and the traditional panchanga (almanac) reading.
Key facts
Puthandu marks the Sun's entry into Aries (Mesha Sankranti).
Tamil solar tradition